Interesting, yes

There are lots of litle research bits about the connection between music and smart, successful, and happy people. Of them all, a Harvard study is my favorite. A few years back Lois Hetland found that yes, music does seem to have an influence on spatial reasoning, but we should play music for music's sake. Because it's part of being human, because it teaches your child things other subjects can't, play music.

Even still, I like the solid research, stuff, too:

• In academic situations, students in music programs are less likely to draw unfounded conclusions. Champions of Change, Federal study, 1999
• Students who can perform complex rhythms can also make faster and more corrections in many academic and physical situations. Center for Timing Coordination and Motor Skills, 2000
• College admissions officers continue to cite participation in music as an important factor in making admissions decisions. They claim that music participation demonstrates time management, creativity, expression, and open-mindedness. Carl Hartman, The Associated Press, October, 1999